Counting device



March 11,1947.

C. C. GREEN COUNTING DEVICE v1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 2

March 11, 1947." QQGREEN 2,417,074

COUNTING DEVICE Filed Aug. 2, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 11, 1947. c. c. GREEN COUNTING DEVICE Filed Aug. 2, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 6 m a 0 ww w w m 0 E .w: 3 g 6 y .fiiww M k 40 V 2 5 m 2 A 2 u w d 7 9 mm. 2

Patented Mar. 11, 1947 COUNTING DEVICE Clarence C. Green, Manheim Township, Lancaster County, Pa., assignor to Armstrong Cork Company, Lancaster, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application August 2, 1940, Serial No. 349,602

21 Claims. 1

This invention relates to counting devices and, more particularly, to a device for counting closures such as crown caps, although the device may be used satisfactorily to count any type of articles moving in single file. My device is particularly adaptable for uses in which a large number of small articles need be counted rapidly and accurately.

Heretofore, in the closure industry, for example, common commercial practice as known to me was to count crown caps by weight; that is, a certain number of caps was supposed to possess a predetermined weight and such caps were packaged by weight rather than by number. Caps are generally sold in gross lots; since the weight of any given number of caps varies slightly due to slight variations in liner thickness, liner density, metal thickness, and the like, it was necessary to include more than the required number of closures in each package to ensure that the required number of caps was present in each package. Even though crown caps are inexpensive, it will be appreciated that when millions of caps are packaged yearly a slight overrun for each individual package involves tremendous additional expense. In addition, many states use what are generally termed tax-paid crowns as a means of indicating revenue taxes have been paid on malt beverages. Since it is impossible to determine by weight the exact number of caps in a package, it will be understood many difliculties arise in the packaging of such articles; if more than the precise number of crowns are packaged, revenue crowns are issued on which tax has not been paid while if less than the exact number of caps is packaged in a container, greater taxes are paid by the customer than is necessary and this is a frequent source of complaints by customers.

These additional expenses were deemed neces-- sary, however, since no precise device was available which would function satisfactorily in counting caps without decreasing the speed of the manufacturing operations. Since a cap per se is'so inexpensive all operations in connection with the manufacture of caps must be conducted at high speed in order to be economically practicable. To obviate decrease in the speed of the manufacturing operations, it is essential that the counting device be capable of counting caps at at least a rate of 800 caps per minute for extended periods and be capable of counting accurately a peak load of approximately v2200 per a rapid and accurate counting device which is economical in manufacture and inexpensive in operation. An object of my invention is to provide a device capable of disposing articles in single file and passing them past a counting mechanism. A further object is to provide a counting device capable of segregating articles in predetermined amounts. A still further object is to provide an automatically operating, counting mechanism for use with closure manufacturing and packaging devices which is efiicient, rapid, and accurate in operation. A still further object is to provide means for aligning closures in single file to enable them to be counted as they pass through a predetermined location. A still further object is to provide means for carrying closures to a predetermined location where they are counted and for removing the closures therefrom.

This invention relates to a counting device which comprises in combination means for disposing articles to be counted in single file, a conveyor for carrying the articles through a predetermined zone in which they are counted, and counting means adapted to be actuated by the forward movement of the articles to be counted. More specifically, haphazardly disposed closures are separated and placed in single file by centrifugal force and are then continuously and progressively carried past a trigger or finger which is engaged by each closure of the file and serves to actuate the counting mechanism. The counting mechanism counts each closure and likewise adds the number of closures counted. The closures are then automatically separated in predetermined lots as determined by the counting mechanism and packaged.

The attached drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of my invention, in which Figure 1 is a view in elevation of the countin device of my invention, the cas enclosing the counting mechanism being removed in order to more satisfactorily illustrate the counting mechanism;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the device illustrated in Figure l Figure 3 is a 'view in elevation of a cap to be counted disposed in the counting zone;

Figure 4 is a view in elevation of the counting mechanism, drawn in a slightly exaggerated scale to more satisfactorily illustrate. the details thereof;

Figure 5 is a view partly in section and partly in elevation of the counting mechanism depicting the opposite side thereof to that shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is an end elevation of the counting mechanism, the case being removed to illustrate the details thereof;

Figure 7 is a sectional view taken on the line VII-VII of Figure 4;

Figure 8 is an end elevation of thecounting mechanism similar 'to Figure 6 but depicting the opposite end thereof;

Figure 9 is a view in elevation of a modified form of counting mechanism;

Figure 10 is a sectional view of the mechanism shown in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a sectional view taken on XI-XI of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is an end. elevation of the counting mechanism shown in Figure 9; and

Figure 13 is a view in elevation of the clutch plate.

Referring to the drawings, the foundation of the device consists, of the plate 2 connected by a hollow column 4 to a table 6. The foundation is supported. by three'cas'ters 8 or three legs Ii disposed at spacedpoints around theperiphery of the plate 2, as hereinafter described. The feeding and separating mechanism is carried by the, table 6 and is adapted to receive caps and convey them in single file to a conveyor which carries them through a counting Zone in" which they are counted. The feeding and separating mechanism comprises (Figure 2)'a turntable [2 the line mounted on the end of a shaft it connected to the reduction unit i6 of amotor l8 seated upon the table 6 and bolted thereto. The turntable l2 -is actuatedby the motor 58 at any suitable speed, it being essential that the turntable 12 be actuated at a rate, of speed sufficiently great that centrifugal force maintains caps disposed thereon adjacent its periphery. Preferably, turntable I2 is provided with a plurality of openings therein (not shown) toipermit extraneous foreign matter such as dirt and linerfparticles to fall through the openings into a suitable receptacle rather than permitting such particles to remain on the table or to permit them to ,be carried to the containers in which the caps arepacked for shipment.

A cone-shaped disk or plate 20 is placed centrally of the turntable I2 and is bolted thereto so that it rotates at the same speed as the turntable. The turntable l2 and the cone-shaped disk 28 are rotated in the direction of the arrows (Fig. 2). Extending peripherally of the table I2 is a guard 22 supported by brackets 24 bolted to the table '6. The guard 22 serves to prevent caps being separated and disposed in'singl file from bein thrown from the table 12' by centrifugal force and likewise serves as a retaining wall against which the caps may be placed in single file. A cover 26 is placed above a portion of the periphery of the table I2and is spaced from the table 12 a distance sufficient to permit single caps to pass thereunder as the turntable rotates. The shape of the cover 26 is shown in Figure 2' and it is supported by the guard-22 in fixed position. If, for example, several caps are piled on top of one another as they are carried by the table 12-, the guard ZBpermits th lower cap only to pass thereunder and prevents'the upper cap or caps from passing thereunder. The turntable [2 in combination with the guard 22 thus passes a single layer of caps to a conveyor hereinafter described along which the caps are counted 7 1 The cover 26 ensures that only a single layer of caps passes thereunder to be carried to "the" til 4 conveyor. It is desirable, however, that the caps be arranged in single file, and preferably in substantial alignment, to permit precise operation of the counting mechanism, hereafter described. In some cases, a cap 30 (see Figure 2) may wedge between two other caps 30 and 33" and thus prevent a single file or line' of caps from passing upon the conveyor and jamming or closing the entrance thereto. To obviate jamming at the entrance to the cap conveyor, I provide an agitator 32 positioned adjacent the cover 26 and at substantially the entrance thereto. The agitator 32 may be a hexagonal rod and is supported by a motor 34 secured by brackets .33 to the guard 22. The agitator 32 is rotated by the motor 34 at a high rate of speed in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the turntable l2. As improperly disposed caps are carried to the entrance to the conveyor, they strike the rapidly rotating agitator 32 and are thus hurled infeeding and separating mechanism may be desirable to aid in a full comprehension of its operation. A plurality of caps, shown in dotted outline in Figure 2, are fed or dropped from a hopper or a belt (not shown) upon the cones-haped disk 23. Since the disk 28 is rotating rapidly in a counterclockwise direction, such caps are hurled outwardly upon the turntable i2 by centrifugal force until their outward movement is halted by the guard 22 which retains them at the periphery of the table l2. The table i2, rotating rapidly, carries the caps for- Wardly under the cover 26 which prevents more than a single layer of caps being carried thereunder. The agitator 32, placed adjacent the cover 25 and substantially at' the entrance to the conveyor, ensures that only a single line of caps passes upon the conveyor by removing caps not disposed adjacent the periphery and forces caps adjacent the periphery in alignment. Thus the caps are fed upon the conveyor.

The conveyor 38 (Figures 1, 2 and 3) which receives the caps fed from the turntable l2 in single file and in substantial alignment carries the caps through a counting zone. A second conveyor M5 is provided placed above the conveyor 38 which holds the caps securely in position thereon as they pass through the counting zone. The conveyors 3 8 and 48 preferably consist of endless belts provided with a soft, resilient, frictional facing of rubber or similar frictional ma- "terial which will securely hold the caps in proper it and 48 are journalled away from one another and holding them in fixed position by means of the set screw 51!. The pulley M1 is driven by means of a sprocket wheel 52 keyed to shaft 48 and connected by a chain 54 to a sprocket wheel 56 mounted on "a shaft 5-8 connected by a suitable bearing box 60, supported by *a housing 62 bolted to the table 6, to a bevel gear 6'4 meshing with a bevel gear 66 mounted on the shaft [4 of'the motor 18. "The belt 40 is driven at'a predetermined speed, through the connecting gear.- ing and chain, by the motor I8. 1

Belt conveyor 38 passes around pulleys 68, I8, and I2 mounted on shafts I4, 16, and I8 joumalled in plates forming framework of the device. and may be tightened similarly to belt 48 by means of the set screw 88. Shaft 16 supports a spur gear 82 keyed thereto which meshes with a similar gear 84 keyed to shaft 48. The belt conveyor 38 is thus driven by the same means as belt 48 and at the same speed. The belts 38 and 48 are spaced apart a distance suflicient to permit a single line of caps to enter therebetween and are so arranged as .to securely hold such caps therebetween while passing them through the zone in which they are counted. The caps need be held sufiiciently securely between the belts 38 and 48 as to permit them to force outwardly a trigger or finger connected to the counting mechanism during their forward movement. If desired, a guide (not shown) may be disposed between or adjacent the belt conveyors 38 and 48 to afford additional assurance that each cap-being carried forward by the conveyors strikes or forces outwardly the trigger connected to the counting mechanism.

The counting mechanism is mounted on a table 86 supported by the columns v88 resting on the table 6, and is enclosed in a case 98 although such case is removed, in Figures land 4 to illustrate the counting mechanism. The dial wheels 92 and 94 are supported by a shaft 96 journalled in brackets 98 and I89 bolted to the table 86. A torque motor I82 bolted to the framework of the device serves by means of a pinion I84 and a bevel there is shown an escapement which prevents the shaft 96 from rotating. The escapement comprises a scape wheel II2 keyed to-a shaft H4 journalled in the bracket II6 and the bracket 98, the bracket II6 being bolted to the table 86, and a pallet I I8, supported by a bracket I28, in engagement with the scape wheel I I2 and pivoted at the point I22 (see Figure 6) of the bracket I28. The pallet II 8 has an arm I24 for a purpose hereinafter described. A spur gear I26 is keyed to shaft H4 and meshes with a spur gear I28 keyed and pinned to the shaft 96. a

A ratchet wheel I 38 is keyed and pinned to the shaft 96 so that it rotates therewith. A spring detent I32 is bolted to the inner surface of dial wheel 92 and engages or fits between the teeth of ratchet wheel I38. Thus when ratchet wheel I38 rotates, dial wheel 92 rotates therewith since it is connected thereto by the spring detent I32. Dial wheel 92 may be rotated in either direction by hand, if desired, to set it at any desired point without rotating ratchet wheel I38 since the detent I32 is made of spring metal which permits it to be sprung over the teeth of the ratchet wheel. Dial wheel 92 counts individual articles and since it is desired to count in gross lots, i t is divided in 144 sections. Since it is actuated by the ratchet wheel I38, it is necessary thatthe ratchet I38 be provided with 144 teeth one for .each article indicated on dial wheel 92.

Before continuing the description of the dia ,wheel rotating mechanism, 1 will explain the marine mechanisminiorderte.d rr behow an individual cap is counted. Referrin to Figures 1, 2, and 3, a flexible spring metal trigger or finger I34 is provided which in normal position extends between the belts 38 and 4.8. Trigger I34 is pinned toa lever I36 (see Figures 1 and 3) .supported bya bracket I38; The upper end of the lever. I36 is provided with leftehand threads and is screwed within an arm I48. The arm I48 is pinned to a clevis I 42which is attached to a trip rod I44. Rod I44 (see Figure 6) passes through a stop I46 and is threaded to a clevis I48 to which is pinned the arm I24 of the pallet II8.- A helical spring I58 surrounds the rod, I44 and is held between the stop I 46 and the clevis I48.

When the trigger I34 is engaged by a cap,, see Figures 2 and 3, itis pushed or forced outwardly, rotating the lever I36 and the arm I48, thus pulling'the rod I44,outwardly-to the left as shown in Figure 3 and to the right as shown in Figure 6thus rotating the pallet H8. and compressing the spring I58 between the stop I46 and the clevis I48; As the pallet I I8 pivots about the point I22, it releases the scape wheel I I2 and permits it to move forward the distance of a tooth thereof and as it returns to normal position the wheel H2 is again permitted to move forward by the release of va second tooth; the releaseof wheel II2 by pallet II8 permits torque motor I82 to rotate .shaft 96. Therotation of the shaft 96-rotates the ratchet wheel I38 a predetermined distance and .thus the dial wheel 92, connected to the ratchet by spring I32, rotates a distance of one section from a zero point, indicating that one cap has passed the trigger I34. 7

After the cap has moved forward past the trigger I34, the trigger I34 is released and is urged inwardly-to normal position-by attempted expandesirable that suitable means be provided for counting or adding caps in gross lots as well as individually and for this purpose the dial wheel 94 isprovided. The dial 94 is dividedin two portions, each portion covering one-half of the wheelpeach portion is subdivided into fifty sections denoting one gross each and each portion of the dial is capable of counting to fifty gross. .I

;will now describe the manner in which it is 55 actuated.

Referring to Figures 5 and '7, there is shown a cam I52 supported by the shaft 96 and bolted to the dial wheel 92 so that it rotates with the dial 92. The cam I52 is not pinned or keyed to the shaft 96 so that it does not rotate therewith but is driven by the dial wheel 92. A ratchet wheel I54 is placed adjacent the cam I52 and is bolted to the dial wheel 94. A lever I56is pivoted on a .bracket I58 with its tooth I68 in engagement with the cam I52. The lever I56 is held in engagement with the cam I52 by means of a helical spring I6I .stretched between the lever I56 and a bracket I62 bolted-to. the table 86. IA pawl I64 is pivoted on the lever I56 and is held in engagement with the ratchet wheel I54 by a helical spring I66 stretched --the:ratc;het wheel-I54 by means of aspring I12 asfstreten sieh tween th end. 92th, me a flange I14 integral with the bracket I62. The pawl I'm serves to prevent movement ofthe ratchet wheel in one direction but is so designed as to permit its rotation in the opposite direction; the end of the pawl sliding harmlessly over the teeth of the ratchet as itis rotated in one direction but engaging such teeth and preventing rotation in the opposite direction. Dial wheel 94 may, of course, beset in any desired position by rotation manually. I

The cam I52 is rotated by the dial wheel 92. As it rotates, it gradually moves the lever I56 outwardly (toward the left in Figure 7'). The lever I56 is pivoted at I16 and as it. .moves outwardly, it pivots the pawl I64 at the point I'I8'; as the tooth I60 of the lever I56 reaches the high point of the cam I52 and drops off, the pawl I64 is urged into firm engagement with and acts to rotate the ratchet I54, thus turning the dial 94 onehundredth of a revolution, to indicate 144 individual caps or 1 gross of caps has passed the t ger I34. It will be understood that the lever I56 in moving outwardly stretches the spring I6I so that immediately the high point of the cam I52 has passed, the spring will immediately urge it against the cam, which, of course, returns the pawl I64 to its original position. The pawl I I0, as stated above, prevents positively any backward rotation of the ratchet and likewise, of course any backward rotation-of the dial 94.

The belt conveyors 38 and 40 carry the caps forward past the trigger I34 and to a chute I80, shown in Figures 1 and 2, down which the caps slide to the containers in which they are packaged for shipment. The chute I80 is mounted on the bracket I8I secured to the framework of the device. The chute I80 includes a base I82, side plates I84 and a V-shaped plate I86 which divides the lower portion of the chute in two sections.

lots for shipment so that only a predetermined number of caps be placed in individual packages. Accordingly, I provide a gate I88 which may be oscillated to direct the caps fed to the chute I80 into either of the two sections in which the lower by means of the bushing I92 and the lever I94 to the plunger I96 of solenoids I98 connected to the contacts 200. Referring now to Figures 5' and 8, the contacts 200 are mounted on a bracket 202 bolted to-the switch base 204. Contacts 206 are secured to springs 208 bolted, to the switch base 204. Pins 2I0 serve to connect the springs 208 and contacts 206 carried thereby to levers 2I2 and H2, pivoted on the switch base 204. The levers 212 and H2 engage and serve as cam followers for a cam 2M disposed over bushing H0 and mounted'on the hub of ratchet I54 so that it rotates therewith. The levers 2I2 and 2I2' are securely held in engagement-with the cam 2| 4 by means of a helical spring -2I6 stretched therebetween.

As stated, above, the cam 2I4 rotates with the ratchet I54. As the cam 214 rotates, the levers 212 and 2I2' follow its surface and close and open the contacts. As shown in-'Figure"'8,'lever 2I-2' has passed a high point of the cam and has As discussed above, it is desirable that the u. caps be segregated or separated in predetermined rotated about itspivot thus moving the contact 206 inwardly so that it engages contact 200 closing the circuit to energize the solenoid I98 to move plunger I96 to rotate the gate I88 to the position shown in Figiu'e 2. As the cam 2I-4 continues its rotation, lever 2I2. moves outwardly thus breaking the circuit. The gate I88 .15 reetained in the position to which it has been rotated. Lever 2I2 follows the cam contour and as it drops off the high point of the cam closes its accompanying contacts 200 and 206 to energize the other solenoid I98 to move plunger I96 in the opposite direction thus rotating or swinging the gate to the position .shown in dotted outline in Figure 2. The cam surface is so designed that the gate I88 is rotated or swung in each direction for each complete revolution of the ratchet I54. Thus, as the counting mechanism indicates fifty gross, the gate is swung or rotated, directing the oncoming caps into the second chute section and into a second container. The. procedure of course is repeated as counting of the caps continues. It will be appreciated the cam surface may be so designed as to permit the gate to be rotated or swung back and forth for any predetermined number of caps and my invention is not to be construed as limited to any particular lot of caps. Obviously, in other uses or in the same use, smaller or larger numbers of articles may be packaged in containers, and the mechanism designed accordingly.

I will now describe the operation ofmy device by following a cap through the various steps it undergoes during the procedure of counting and separating a number of caps into predetermined lots. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, apluralit-y of caps are dropped from a belt or hopper on the cone-shaped disk 20 whence they are flung out wardly by centrifugal force until outward movement is stopped by the guard 22. They are then, of course, disposed on the turntable I2, which is rotating rapidly, and which carries them to the belt conveyor 38. The cover 26 and the rapidly rotating agitator 32 ensure that a single layer of closures in single file are transferred to the belt conveyor 38. The caps are held securely between the conveyor 38 and a second belt conveyor 40 and passed within thev counting zone in which is disposed the trigger or finger I34 of the counting mechanism.

Each cap as it passes through the counting zone strikes the trigger or finger I34 and forces or urges it outwardly thereby pulling the rod I44 outwardly or to the left, as shown in Figure 3. Movement of the rod in this direction, refer to Figure 6, rotatesthepallet II8 about its pivot I22 thus releasing the scape wheel and rotatin the shaft 96 a predetermined distance by means of the torque motor I02 and the rotation of the scape wheel. Since the ratchet I 30 is keyed and pinned to the shaft 96 it rotates therewith. The detent I32 of the individual dial wheel 92 is in engagement with the teethof the ratchet I30 and,

as the ratchet I30 rotates, the dial wheel 92'rotates a predetermined distance to indicate one can has been counted. As the cap passes the trigger I34, it, of course, returns to-its normal positionready for contact with a second cap.

Since it is' desirable that caps, for example, be added or counted in predetermined lots as well as counted individually, the dial wheel 94 is provided. Dial wheel 94- is adapted to'count caps in gross lots. The dial wheel 94 is secured to the ratchet I 54 and is-actuated by the cam I52 which is secured to the individual dial wheel 92. The

cam I52 rotates with the dialwheel 92. The lever or cam follower I56 rides on the cam; the pawl I64 is pivoted on the lever I56 and is held in engagement with the ratchet I54 (see Figure 7). As the cam I52 rotates it forces the lever I56 outwardly, pivoting the pawl I64 and enabling it to rotate the ratchet a predetermined distance. Each revolution of the cam I52, through the lever I56 and pawl I64, thus turns the ratchet I54 a predetermined distance. Since 144 caps need be counted to complete a revolution of the cam I52, such predetermined distance rotated by the ratchet I54 rotates the dial 94 to indicate one gross of caps has passed the trigger I34. Backward movement of the ratchet I54, which would rotate the dial 94 backwardly, is prevented by the awl I'I0. as described above.

Thecans after they pass'the tri ger I34 are I carried by the conveyors 38 and 40 to a chute I80 down which they slide in' containers to be packaged. Ihave stated'that it is desirable that the caps be segregated in predetermined lots and for this purpose a gate I88 is provided in the chute wh ch serves to direct the caps in one of the two chute sections provided. The gate I88 is contro led from the ratchet I54 by means of the cam 2 I4 secured thereto. The surface of the cam. H4 is so desi ned-asto actuate the gate'for each half revolution of the ratchet I54-ea'ch' fifty gro s as i d cated by dial wheel'94. The levers 2I2 and 2I2' ride on the cam surface and as they are moved inwardlv and outwardly they.

alternately ener ize the solenoids which actuate the gate I88. The gate I08 thus divides caps counted individua ly and by gross lots in predetermined lots of fifty gross each.

It is desirable that some check be maintained on the total production for a day. For this purpose, I provide a revolution counter 220 connected by a bevel gear 222 to the pinion I04 mounted on the shaft of the torque motor I02. As designed, each revolution of the motor I02 counts one gross on the counter 220. Since this counter forms no part of my invention, it is not believed a lengthy description thereof is necessary.

As disclosed in Figure 1, my device may be supported on casters 0 or legs I0. For ease in moving the device, the casters are provided while it may be positioned on its legs I0 during operation thereof. A simple lever mechanism is provided for this purpose and by pivoting the levers on fulcrums. the device may be positioned on its;

legs III while when it is desired to move the device, the levers are returned to their first position and the device again positioned on its casters 8.

In Figures 9-13 inclusive, I have illustrated a modified form of my invention in which a third dial wheel is provided adapted to count caps in lots larger than fifty gross and, preferably, in lots of one hundred and two hundred gross. Suitable mechanism is provided to connect this dial wheel with the individual dial wheel 92 and likewise to disconnect the fifty gross wheel from the, individual dial wheel. Such mechanism is hereafter described in detail.

Referring primarily to Figures 9 and .10, there is shown the individual dial wheel 92 which is.

actuated similarly to the individual dial wheel previously described by means of the rod I44 and the escapement mechanism H2 and H8. The fifty gross dial wheel 94 is likewise actuated similarly and it is believed a detailed description of the actuation of such wheels is not necessary. A third dial wheel 300 is provided mounted on a cate on which dial wheel; and if it be wheel 300,

10 bushing '302 on the shaft 96. This wheel 300 carries two scales each of which is divided into two hundred portions. One scale counts articles in two-hundred gross lots and is numbered from 1-200; the other scale counts articles in one-hun to the ratchet 304 which is also secured to bushing'302. The spur gear 308 is driven by a suitable train of'gears designated generally at 3I0 connected to aspur gear 3I2 mounted on'a shaft 3I4. Ont-lie opposite end of the shaft 3I4 is mounted agear 3I 6 connected by a suitable train of gears designated generally at 3I8 to a gear 320 connected to the cam- I 52-secured to the individual counting wheel 92. Thus the'dial wheel 300' is driven from cam I 52 'secured'to the individual wheel 92.

A'clutchis provided'to disengage the fifty gross countingwheel 94"if' desired. By' disengage I mean to releaseit'from effective operation. This clutch consistenta 'detent'plate 322 suitably marked; to indicate the various "scales of the dial wheels, and a rod 324' passing therethrough on which-is placed'a handle326 in'ngagement with the plate 322 and adapted to be rotated to indion which scale'caps are being counted. At the opposite end of the 'r0d'32'4 is placed a yoke 328 which serves to move cams 330 and 330' slidably attached to the shaft 3I4. As the handle 326 is rotated, itturns the rod 324' so that the yoke 328 slides cams 330 and-330' onthe shaft 3I4. As'shovvn in Figure 11,-cams 330'and 330' are formed with different configurations'so that cam 330 is provided with two high points whereas cam 330'-has only a single hi h point. Cam 330 through the intervening mechanism oscillates the gate each time ahundred gross of articles have passed the trigger I34 while cam 330 oscillates the gate through the intervening mechanism when-two-hundred gross of articles have passed the trigger I34. Needless to say.-the two cams carries an arm 332 adapted to follow the surfaces 7 of cams 330 and 330'. Thus, so long as the clutch is in neutral position, the wheel 94 is actuated in the manner above described and plate 322 indicates that'gross counting is being conducted on wheel94. When'the handle 3261s moved to one'of the positions in which the wheel 300 isactuated to count in gross lots, either or 200, gross, rotation of the'ro'd 324' forces the yoke 328 to slide either of the cams 330 01' 330 in engagemerit withthe arm 332. As the'ca'm, either 330 or .330, with which thea'rm is in engagement rotates, it raises the arrri 3 32, forcing the lever outwardly so thatthe pawl I54 which actuates the ratchet I54 is actuated from either the cam 330 or 330 rather than the cam I52. Since the gate actuating mechanism is drivenfrom the l1 ratchet I54, it is suitably actuated toseparate caps in predetermined lots.

For clarity of understanding, 'I will describe the operation of the mechanism. .Let us assume it is desired to count caps in lots of one hundred gross each. The clutch handle 326 is moved to the position indicating one hundred gross on the clutch plate 322, which rotates rod 324 and actuates the yoke 328 to slide cam 33!! in engagement with the arm 332. The cam is disposed on and rotates with shaft 3| 4 which is rotated by the gear 328, gear train 3I8, and gear 3l6, and as the cam rotates it raises arm 3.32 thus moving lever I55 outwardly. As lever I56 drops from the high points of cam 3.30. it permits pawl I64 to actuate ratchet I54.- By means of the gear 3I2, gear train 3"] and gear 308 the wheel 300 is actuated. Since cam 2| 4 rotates with ratchet I 54, the switching mechanism is actuated'to swing the gate to separate caps in predetermined lots.

The advantages of my device are obvious. Any number of articles maybe counted, added and segregated into lots of predetermined size. My device is especially adapted for high speed operations. It functions rapidly and accurately, is economical in cost and is entirely automatic in operation. It is of especial desirability in the accurate and rapidpackaging required for small articles such as closures and eliminates the inherent inaccuracies present in the means heretofore used for such purposes.

While I have described and illustrated a preferred embodiment of my invention it will be understood my invention is not so limited since it may be otherwise embodied or practiced within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. In a machine for counting articles, the combination with means for conveying articles in single file through a counting zone, of a trigger disposed in said zone adapted to'be actuated by movement of articles therethrough, a rod connecting said trigger to the pallet of an escapement. a dial wheel for indicating the number of individual art cles passing through said zone,

means for rotating said dial wheel, rotation of said wheel being prevented by said escapement, movement of said trigger pivoting said pallet to release the scape wheel thus permitting rotation of said dial w eel, a second dial wheel for registeri g and visibly indicating multiples of the individual count, a ratchet connected to said second dial wheel. a cam connected to and mounted for. rotation with said first-mentioned dial wheel. a lever held in enga ement with said cam, and a pawl secured to said lever and adapted to rotate sa d ratchet thereby rotating said second dial wheel a predetermi ed distance; means for segregating counted articles in lots of predetermined size, and means o erable with said ratchet for actuating said segregating means.

2. In a machine for counting articles, the com bination w th means for conveying articles iningle file through a counting zone, of a trigger;

disposed in said zone ada ted to be actuated by movement of articles t erethrough, a dial wheel for indicating the number of individual articles of a predetermined lot which have passed through the counting zone, means for rotating said dial w eel, an esca ement serving to prevent rotation of said dial wheel, actuation of said trigger releasing the escapement thereby permitting rotation of said dial wheel, a second. dial wheel for registering multiples of the individual. count,

a cam connected to said first mentioned ,194

12 wheel, a ratchet connected tosaid second dial wheel, a lever engaging the surface of said cam, and a pawl secured to said lever and adapted to rotate said ratchet thereby rotating said second dial wheel a predetermined distance.

3. In a machine .for counting articles, the combinationwith means for conveying articles in single .file through .a counting zone, of a trigger disposed in'said zone adapted to be actuated by movement of articles therethrough, a rod connecting said trigger to the pallet of an escapement, a dial wheel for indicating the number of individual articles of a predetermined lot which have passed through the counting zone, means for rotating said dial wheel, .rotation of said Wheel being prevented by said escapement, movement of said trigger pivoting said pallet to release the scape wheel of the escapement thus permitting rotation of said dial wheel a predetermined distance to indicate an article has passed through the counting zone, a second dial wheel for registering multiples of the individual count, a ratchet connected to said second dial wheel, a cam connected to and mounted for rotation with said first mentioned dial wheel, a lever held in engagement with said cam, and a pawl secured to said lever and adapted to rotate said ratchet thereby rotating said second dial Wheel a predetermined distance.

4. In counting mechanism, the combination of a-rotatabl'e dial wheel for indicating the number of individual articles which have passed through a counting zone, a ratchet to operate the same, means for separating counted articles in lots of various sizes, a plurality of cams operable with said ratchet, a lever carrying a pawl adapted to actuate a second ratchet, means for selectively connecting any of said cams to said lever in actuating relationship dependent upon the size of the lot desired, and means connected to said second ratchet for actuating the separating means.

5. In counting mechanism, the combination of a rotatable dial wheel for indicating the number of individual articles which have passed through a counting zone, a ratchet to operate the same,

'means for separating counted articles in lots of various sizes, a second rotatable dial wheel for registering multiples of the individual count, a

slidably attached to said shaft and operable withsaid first-mentioned ratchet, each cam being operable selectively to actuate the separating means thus separating counted articles in lots of predetermined size.

6. In counting mechanism, the combination of a rotatable dial wheel for indicating the number of individual articles which have passed through a counting zone, a ratchet to operate the same, means for separating counted articles in lots of various sizes, a second rotatable dial wheel for registering multiples of the individual count, a gear train operable with said ratchet, a shaft, said gear train being connected to said shaft, a second gear train, a dial wheel ratchet, said second gear train connecting said shaft and said dial wheel ratchet, means connecting said dial I3? ond ratchet, means for selectively connecting any of said cams to said lever in actuating relationship dependent upon the predetermined size of the lot of counted articles, and means connected to said second ratchet for actuating the separating means.

7. In counting mechanism, the combination of a rotatable dial wheel for indicating the number of individual articles which have passed through a counting zone, a ratchet to operate the same, a plurality of cams operable. with said ratchet, means for separating counted articles in lots of various sizes, each cam being operable individually to actuate the separating means thus separating counted articles in lots of predetermined size, a shaft, a yokemounted on said shaft, and a-handle disposed on said shaft, said shaft being rotatable to permit said yoke to dispose any of said cams in operable position.

8. In counting mechanism. the combination of a rotatable dial wheel for indicating the number of individual articles which have passed through a counting zone, a ratchet to operate the same, means for separating .counted articles in lots of various sizes, a second rotatable dial wheel for registering multiples of the individual count, a gear train operable with said ratchet, a shaft, said gear train being connected to said shaft, a second gear train, a dial wheel ratchet, said second gear train connecting said shaft and said dial wheel ratchet, means connecting said dial wheel ratchet to said second dial wheel, a plurality of cams slidably attached to said shaft, a second ratchet, a lever carrying a pawl adapted to actuate said second ratchet, means connected to said second ratchet for actuating the separating means a second shaft, and a yoke mounted on said second shaft adapted to slide said cams on said first-mentioned shaft, said second shaft being rotatable to permit said yoke to dispose any of said cams in position to operate said separating means. i

' 9. In a machine for counting and lot-segregating articles, the combination with means for conveying artic es in single file through a counting zone, of a trigger disposed in said zone adapted to be-actuated by movement of articles therethrough, a dial wheel for indicating the number of individual articles passing through said zone, means for rotating said dial wheel, an escapement serving to prevent rotation of said dial wheel, actuation of said trigger releasing the escapement thereby permitting rotation of said dial wheel a predetermined distance, a second dial wheel registering and visibly indicating multiples of the individual count, means connecting said second dial wheel to said first-mentioned dial wheel, a third dial wheel for registering and visibly indicating multiples of the individual count, and means connecting said third dial to said first-mentioned dial wheel; means for segregating counted articles in lots of predetermined size; means for actuating said segregating means and a clutch for-selectively operating said actuating means in accordance with the multiples wheel in use.

10. Counting mechanism comprising a dial wheel for indicating the number of individual articles passing through a counting zone, means to rotate said dial wheel, an escapement serving to prevent rotation of said dial wheel, a trigger, actuation of said trigger releasing said escapement to permitfrotation of said dial wheel, a second dial wheel for registering and visibly 14? I indicating multiples of the individual count; means connecting said second dial wheel to said first-mentioned dial wheel, a third dial wheel for registering and visibly indicating multiples of the individual count, means connecting said third dial wheel to said first-mentioned dial wheel, means for segregating counted articles in lots of predetermined size, means for actuating said segregating means, and a clutch for selectively oper-. ating said actuating means in accordance with the multiples wheel in use.

11. Counting mechanism comprising a dial. wheel for indicating the number of individual articles passing through a counting zone, means to rotate said dial wheel, an escapement serving to prevent rotation of said dial wheel, a trigger; actuation of said trigger releasing said escapement to permit rotation of said dial wheel, a second dial wheel for registering and visibly in-' dicating multiples of the individuallcount, a ratchet connected to said second dial wheel, a cam connected to said first dial wheel,a'lever in engagement with said cam, a pawl secured to said lever adapted to rotate said ratchet, a third dial wheel for registering and visibly indicating multiples of the individual count, means connecting said third dial wheel to saidfirst dial. wheel, means for segregating counted articles in lots of predetermined size, means for actuating said segregating means, and a clutch for selec'-' tively operating said actuating means in accordance with the multiples wheel in use.

12. In counting mechanism, the combination of a rotatable dial wheel for indicating the number of individual articles which have passed through a counting zone, a ratchet to operatethe same,- a plurality of cams operable with said ratchet," means for separating counted articles in lots of various sizes, each cam being operable individually to actuate the separatin means thus separating counted articles in lots of predetermined size, a shaft, and a yoke mounted on said shaft, said shaft being rotatable to permit said yoke to dispose any of said cams in operable position.

13. In a machine for counting and'lot-segregating articles, the combination with means for holding articles securely and in single file While advancing them through a counting zone, of a trigger disposed in the counting zone adapted to be actuated by the forward movement of each of the articles, a rotatable-dial wheel for indicating the number of individual articles passing through the counting zone, a ratchet rotatable to operate the same, an-escapement connected to said trigger serving to prevent the rotation of said ratchet, actuation of said trigger releas-' ing the escapement to permit rotation of said ratchet, a second rotatable dial wheel for indicating multiples of the individual count, a second rotatable ratchet to operate the same, and mechanism connecting said second ratchet to said first dial wheel to rotate saidratchet" a' prede termined distance for'eachrotation'oi said first dial wheel; means for separating-counted 'a'rti-" c1e's"i'n*lots of predetermined size; and-actuating means for said separating means connected to and operable with said second ratchet of the counting mechanism. 1

14. In a machine for counting and lot-segregating articles, the combination with means for" holding horizontally disposed articles securely and in single file while advancing them through" a counting zone. of a member disposed in the counting zoneadapted to be actuated byth'e forward movement of each of the articles; counting mechanism for counting the articles, said counting mechanism comprising a ratchet adaptedto be rotated a predetermined distance upon movement of each article past said member, an escapement connected to said member serving to prevent rotation of said ratchet, said ratchet being rotatable by release of said escapement, actuation of said member releasing said escapement, a second ratchet rotatable a predetermined distance for each rotation of said first ratchet, mechanism connecting said ratchets; means for separating counted articles in lots of predetermined size; and actuating means for .said separating means connected to and operable with said second ratchet of the counting mechanism.

15. In a machine for counting and lot-segregating articles, the combination with means for holding horizontally disposed articles securely and in single file while advancing them through a counting zone, ofa'member disposed in'the;

counting zone adapted to be actuated'by the forward movement of each of the'arti'cles; count ing mechanism for counting the articles, said counting mechanism comprising a ratchet adapted to be rotated a predetermined distance upon movement of each article past said member, an escapement connected to said memberserving to prevent rotation of said ratchet, said escapement including a scape wheel and a pallet adapted to be pivoted by actuation of said member to release said wheel, release of said wheel permitting rotation of said ratchet, a second ratchet rotatable a predetermined distance for each rotation of said first ratchet, mechanism connecting said ratchets; means for separating counted articles in lots of predetermined size; and actuating means for said separating means connected to and operable with said second ratchet.

16. In a machine for counting and lot-segregating articles, thejcombination with means for holding horizontally disposed articles securely and in single file while advancing them through a counting zone, of a trigger disposed in the counting zone adapted to be actuated by the forward movement of each of the articles, a rotatable dial wheel for indicating the number of individual articles passing through the counting zone, a ratchet rotatable to operate the same, means for rotating said ratchet, an escapement connected to said trigger serving to prevent the rotation of said ratchet, actuation of said trig- -ger releasing the escapement to permit rotation of said ratchet, a second rotatable dial wheel forindieating multiples of the individuahcount, a second rotatable ratchet to operate the same, mechanism connecting said second ratchet to said first dial wheel to rotate said ratchet a predetermined distance for each rotation of said first dial wheel; means for separating counted articles in lots of predetermined size; and actuating means for said separating means connected to and operable with said second ratchet of the counting mechanism.

117. In a'machine for counting and lot-segregatin articles, the combination with means for holding horizontally disposed articles securely and in single file while advancing them through a counting zone, of a trigger disposed in the counting zone adapted to be actuated by the forward movement of .each of the articles, a rotatable dial wheel for indicating the number of inescapement connected to said trigger serving to prevent the rotation of said ratchet, actuation of said trigger releasing the escapement to permit rotation of said ratchet, a second rotatable dial wheel for indicating multiples of the individual count, a second rotatable ratchet to operate the same, and mechanism connecting said second ratchet to said first dial wheel to rotate said ratchet a predetermined distance for each rotation of said first dial wheel; a chute down which the counted articles pass to a container, the lower portion of said chute being divided into two sections, a gate adapted to be rotated to close one of said sections thereby directing counted articles into the other section, and actuating means for said gate'connected to and operable with said second ratchet of the counting mechanism.

18. Ina counting mechanism for counting closures disposed in :single file as they advance through a counting zone, the combination of a trigger disposed in the counting zone adapted to be actuated by movement of articles thereth'rough, a'rodconnecting said trigger to the pallet of an escapement,- a dial wheel for indicating the number of individual articles passing through said zone, means for rotating said-dial wheel, rotation of said wheel being prevented by said escapement, movement of said trigger pivoting said pallet to release the scape wheel of the escapement thus permitting rotation of said dial wheel, a second dial wheel for indicating multiples of the individual count, a ratchet connected to said second dial wheel, a cam connected to and mounted for rotation with said first-mentioned dial wheel, a lever held in engagement with said cam, and a pawl secured to said lever and adapted to rotate said ratchet thereby rotating said second dial wheel a predetermined distance.

19. In a counting mechanism for counting closures disposed in single file as they advance through a counting zone, the combination of a trigger disposed in the counting zone adapted to be actuated by movement of articles therethrough, a rod connecting said trigger to the pallet of an escapement, a dial wheel for indicating the number of individual articles passing through said zone, means for rotating said dial wheel, rotation of said wheel being prevented by said escapement, movement of said trigger pivoting said pallet to release the scape wheel of the escapement thus permitting rotation of said dial wheel, a second dial wheel for registering and visibly indicating multiples of the individual count, a ratchet connected to said second dial wheel, a cam connected to and mounted for rotation'with said first-mentioned dial wheel, a lever- 'heldin engagement with said cam, and a pawl secured to said lever and adapted to rotate said ratchet thereby rotating said second dial wheel a predetermined distance, means for segregating counted articles in lots of predetermined size, and means operable with the ratchetofsaid counting mechanism for actuating said segregating means, a

20. In a counting mechanism for counting closures disposed in single file as they advance through a counting zone, the combination of a member disposed in the counting zone adapted to be actuated by movement of articles therethrough, a dial wheel for indicating the number of individual articles of a predetermined lot which have passed through the, counting zone, means for rotating said dial wheel, an escapement serving. to prevent rotation of said dial wheel, actuation of said member releasing the escapement thereby permitting rotation of said dial wheel, a

second dial Wheel for registering multiples of the individual count, a cam connected to said firstmentioned dial wheel, a ratchet connected to said second dial Wheel, a lever engaging the surface of said cam, and a pawl secured to said lever and adapted to rotate said ratchet thereby rotating said second dial Wheel a predetermined distance.

21. In a counting mechanism for counting closures disposed in single file as they advance through a counting zone, the combination of a trigger disposed in the counting zone adapted to be actuated by the forward movement of each of the articles, a rotatable dial wheel for indicating the number of individual articles passing through the counting zone, a ratchet rotatable to operate the same, means for rotating said ratchet, an escapement connected to said trigger serving to prevent the rotation of said ratchet, actuation of said trigger releasing the escapement to permit rotation of said ratchet, a second rotatable dial wheel for indicating multiples of the individual count, at second rotatable ratchet to operate the same, and mechanism connecting said second ratchet to said first dial Wheel to rotate said ratchet a predetermined distance for each rotation of said first dial Wheel.

CLARENCE C. GREEN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 299,690 James Nov. 5, 1878 1,112,663 Goldberg Sept. 29, 1914 1,493,182 Maturin Jan. 10, 1922 1,525,523 Widell Feb. 19, 1925 1,557,944 Reisbach Oct. 20, 1925 1,741,387 Haiti-211s Dec. 31, 1929 1,74%,259 Carlson Jan. 21, 1930 2,059,398 Roe-mer Nov. 3, 1935 2,148,992 Lord Feb. 28, 1939 2,29%,126 Domke June 11, 1949 2,108,163 Clark Feb. 15, 1938 1,735,825 Koch Nov. 11, 1929 1,93%,059 Griffith Nov. 7, 1933 2,032,619 LaBounty Mar. 3, 1936 2,122,024. Chouinard. June 28, 1938 456,419 Lawrenz 1- July 21, 1891 484,814 Gsborn Oct. 25, 1892 1,566,628 Stosick Dec. 22, 1925 2,239,460 Levy Apr. 22, 1941 154,358 Webb Aug. 25, 1874 

